The “Wondrous Drama” of Guru Gobind Singh

This chapter describes and analyzes the Dasam Granth composition Bachitra Natak, or “The Wondrous Drama,” an autobiographical narrative of Guru Gobind Singh's early life. The chapter addresses the mythological background of the narrative, as well as its relationship to the Indic tradition of praising kings known as prashasti, and considers the theme of dharma and its defense as explored in Bachitra Natak.

This chapter describes and analyzes the Dasam Granth composition Bachitra Natak, or “The Wondrous Drama,” an autobiographical narrative of Guru Gobind Singh's early life. The chapter addresses the mythological background of the narrative, as well as its relationship to the Indic tradition of praising kings known as prashasti, and considers the theme of dharma and its defense as explored in Bachitra Natak.